Zanskari

Zanskari refers to the people, language, and culture originating from the Zanskar region of the Indian Himalayas. Zanskar is a remote, high-altitude valley located in the Ladakh union territory. The Zanskari people are predominantly Buddhist and have maintained a distinct cultural identity shaped by their isolated environment and traditions.

The Zanskari language, also known as Zangskari, is a Tibetic language spoken by the Zanskari population. It shares similarities with Ladakhi and Tibetan but has its own unique phonetic and grammatical characteristics. The language is primarily an oral tradition, though a script derived from Tibetan is used.

Zanskari culture is deeply intertwined with Tibetan Buddhism. Monasteries, such as Karsha, Phuktal, and Stongdey, are central to community life and serve as centers of religious and cultural learning. Traditional Zanskari art, music, and festivals reflect this Buddhist influence, with intricate thangka paintings, chanting, and vibrant masked dances.

The economy of Zanskar has historically been agrarian, with people cultivating barley and raising livestock like yaks and goats. Due to the harsh climate, agricultural seasons are short. In recent decades, tourism has become an increasingly important economic activity, attracting visitors interested in the region's natural beauty, trekking opportunities, and unique cultural heritage. The Zanskar River is also a notable geographical feature, known for its dramatic landscape and frozen surface during winter, which allows for the famous Chadar Trek.